Ryan Westmoreland | Outfielder

Latest News

Recent News

Ryan Westmoreland, 22, has retired from baseball.

"With a clear mind and heart, as well as the unwavering support and friendship of my family, friends, agent(s), doctors, therapists and the Boston Red Sox, I have decided to voluntarily retire as a professional baseball player," Westmoreland wrote in an email Wednesday. The promising outfield prospect underwent surgery to remove a cavernous malformation from his brain stem in March 2010 and hasn't been able to fully recover. Wed, Mar 6, 2013 01:48:00 PM

Red Sox outfield prospect Ryan Westmoreland underwent successful surgery for a complication of the cavernous malformation in his brain.

Westmoreland underwent a major surgical procedure to remove a cavernous malformation on his brain stem in April of 2010. He had been slowly taking steps in his recovery since then, even participating in the Dominican Instructional League over this past off-season. While this recent surgery will set him back, the important thing is that surgery was successful. The 22-year-old outfielder has already endured countless hardships and obstacles in his career, but still remains determined and focused to achieve his dream of playing in the major leagues. Fri, Jul 13, 2012 08:12:00 PM

Westmoreland will be limited to DHing during his time in the Dominican, but the news represents yet another significant step for the recovering 21-year-old. He underwent a major surgical procedure last year to remove a cavernous malformation on his brain stem. Mon, Dec 5, 2011 12:25:00 PM

Red Sox prospect outfielder Ryan Westmoreland is scheduled to see live pitching Wednesday for the first time since undergoing brain surgery in April of 2010.

Good news. The plan is for Westmoreland to track pitches coming out of the pitcher's hand rather than swing, but this still represents a significant step for the the 21-year-old. The hope is that Westmoreland will eventually get an at-bat in a game, likely in the Instructional League or the Dominican Instructional League. Wed, Aug 17, 2011 09:00:00 AM

Depth Charts

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times mentioned Blake Swihart as a possible trade target for the Rays.

The Rays were known to be interested in Jason Castro before he signed a three-year, $24.5 million deal with Minnesota earlier this month. With Castro off the market, the Rays are likely to explore trade options at catcher. One possibility is Swihart, who could be expendable now that Sandy Leon has emerged as Boston's everyday catcher. Swihart was playing left field when he hurt his ankle last season, though the Red Sox claim he'll enter spring training as a catcher.

Updating an earlier report, the Giants have not discussed trading for Pablo Sandoval, according to MLB.com's Chris Haft.

Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald reported Friday that the Giants were considering trying to acquire Sandoval from the Red Sox but Haft said that isn't the case. The Giants are content with starting Eduardo Nunez at third base and are focused on upgrading at closer. GM Bobby Evans confirmed that Sandoval is not on the team's radar. "I’m not aware of any consideration of a reunion, but we’ll never forget all that he meant to the Giants organization," said Evans. Coming off shoulder surgery, Sandoval will presumably compete with Travis Shaw and Brock Holt for the starting job third base job in Boston this spring.

Mookie Betts underwent a successful right knee arthroscopy, chondroplasty and a loose body removal on Thursday.

Betts battled soreness in the knee throughout the second half, making his .338/.388/.547 batting line with 13 home runs and 54 RBI after the break all the more impressive. He's expected to be ready to go for the start of spring training, although it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Red Sox ease him into things.

Workman missed the entire 2016 season while rehabbing from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery. He should be ready for the start of spring training in 2017, but the 28-year-old right-hander is going to have to prove himself worthy of a spot in the Boston bullpen.

Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Tuesday that Carson Smith (elbow) could be ready by June 1 next year.

Smith underwent Tommy John surgery back in May, so the Red Sox are aiming for his return at a little over 12 months. The 27-year-old reliever owns a dominant 2.00 ERA and 104/26 K/BB ratio in 81 career innings and could be quite the weapon if he comes back healthy, but regaining full strength can often take closer to 15 months.